Irwin R Stender

Irwin R. “Irv” Stender, 78, of Elkhart, died at home on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.

Irv was born on February 10, 1939 in Wykoff, MN to the late August and Eldora (Horstman) Stender.  Also preceding him in death was a sister, Ruth Garnatz.

On August 13, 1960, Irv married the love of his life, Linda L. Moore.  Linda died on August 30, 2016.  Surviving are three sons: Scott (Marilyn) Stender of Columbia City, IN; Chris (Tonia) Stender of Bristol and Matt (Amanda) Stender of Fishers: eight grandchildren; Shelby (Landon) Rehrer, Madalyn Burkert, Mackenzie, Zoey, Augustus, Marta, Emerson and Charlotte Stender; one great grandchild, Norah and one more on the way.  Also surviving are a sister, Mary Miller of Eyota, MN and one brother, Paul (Bernice) Stender of Blooming Prairie, MN.

He graduated from Wykoff High School and was discharged from the United States Army in 1957.  Upon arriving in Elkhart, Irv was employed for a short time with the railroad.  However, Irv found his calling in working with people and has been employed with Harold Zeigler Ford, formerly Pete Fall Ford, since 1964 as Fleet Manager.  Irv and his late wife Linda were founding members of the Concord Little League.  He enjoyed spoiling his children and grandchildren and bragging about them every opportunity he could.  He was also a proud supporter of Concord High School Athletics and Band programs for more than 40 years.

Visitation for Irv will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2018 from noon until 3:00 p.m. at the River Oaks Community Church 58020 C. R. 115 Goshen.  Memorial services will be held immediately after visitation at 3 also at the church.  Longtime family friend, the Rev. Dr. Dan Gelatt will officiate.  Graveside services will be held at a later date.  Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all donations be made to the Concord Little League P. O. Box 394 Elkhart, IN 46515.

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